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Commentators say ministers have been stung by Mr Peters's attacks but Ms Dalziel said: "The leader of New Zealand First's comments have absolutely no interest to me. He is really about pushing an anti-immigration line.

But she added: "It is unfair for people to be able to come here believing their English skills equip them fully for life in New Zealand and then find that they cannot communicate well enough to get a job."

The government admitted that Chinese, Indian, and non-English-speaking South Africans were likely to be hardest hit. The main opposition National Party said the government was showing signs of panic.

The new rules mean migrants entering under the general skills category will have to pass a test showing that they have enough English to cope with study for a doctorate at university.

Previously, applicants had to show only sufficient English skills to handle the equivalent of secondary school study. In addition, the rules for migrants in the business investment category, many of whom also come from Asia, are being tightened.

The government has set its sights on taking 50,000 immigrants each year. Figures show that China provides 17 per cent of all migrants and India 16 per cent.

Britain has dropped to 12 per cent. South Africa follows with eight per cent and Samoa, South Korea, and Malaysia each supply four per cent.